mental midget
Hall of Fame
so how does thiem win? crush the ball and hope for the best? maybe. but i think he might stand a better chance playing within himself, and in my opinion, hit (as he does) with a LOT of spin. nadal's forehand and backhand both become more dangerous when fed a little pace, and he can catch it around hip high or so. particularly the backhand. when he's pulled wide on that side with pace he's very good at sending it back with interest, but on higher balls, he doesn't drive it quite so effectively.
serving, too--i'd feed him 3/4 speed 1st serves kicking as high as possible. of course he'll get it back but without as much pace to work with those returns might not drop as deep.
jmho. easier said than done...and btw if thiem can redline for 3 sets and hit the cover off the ball that could work too. but the odds say that's a tough ask.
thoughts?
serving, too--i'd feed him 3/4 speed 1st serves kicking as high as possible. of course he'll get it back but without as much pace to work with those returns might not drop as deep.
jmho. easier said than done...and btw if thiem can redline for 3 sets and hit the cover off the ball that could work too. but the odds say that's a tough ask.
thoughts?